The Breakdown: ADT v. Vivint

We understand the frustration that comes with shopping for a home security system. That's why we have taken the liberty to breakdown two of the most searched home security providers.

ADT and Vivint are big-time players in the home security industry. But which home security company is best?

Here's our ADT vs Vivint breakdown:

ADT Overview

ADT has one of the largest network of security professionals in the United States, with over 300 offices and 9 monitoring centers across the nation.

The company provides potential customers with either professionally installed, DIY installation, or digital-based  smart home devices and home security monitoring.

ADT has an overall score of 6.6 out of 10 on BestHomeSecurityCompanys.com.

Vivint Overview

Vivint Smart Home is one of the most popular home security companies in the industry, making it the perfect option to compare against ADT.

Vivint joins the ranks of larger monitoring services (like Brinks Home Security, Protect America, & Frontpoint) as a preferred option for U.S. based customers.

Additionally, Vivint Home Security has been rated the #1 home security company on Best Home Security Companies.

Read on for an in-depth look into both ADT's and Vivint's monitoring plans and service offerings.

Vivint Reviews vs. ADT Reviews

What Do Customers Think About Vivint?

Vivint Smart Home has oustanding customer ratings from over 4,900 customers on Best Company. The company has an average star rating of 4 out of 5 total.

The company's customer service is the most commonly praised aspect of Vivint's offering, though the security equipment, smart home technology, and peace of mind the company gives are also touted as Vivint's best selling points.

We feel confident in recommedning Vivint solely because of the customer satisfaction we've seen.

Take a look for yourself:

What Do Customers Think About ADT?

On the other hand, there are too many negative customer experiences with ADT for us to be able to recommend them to customers.

ADT has received a star rating of 2.7 out of 5 from its customers.

In order for us to trust ADT fully, we'd need to see a concerted effort on the part of ADT to reach out and resolve the concerns that many customers are voicing.

However, it's not all bad when it comes to ADT's services.

Many customers applaud the company's equipment reliability and security system success in the event of breakins.

Take a look at some of the positive stories from ADT customers:

Vivint Upfront Costs vs. ADT Upfront Costs

It all starts with the up-front fee. Normally, the upfront fee for a home security company covers the activation, installation, and equipment costs.

Some companies don't charge up-front fees, but ADT does. ADT does offer promotional deals (throughout the year) where they wave those costs.

Vivint offers either month-to-month contracts or no upfront fees, but you can't have both — you have to choose.

Personally, we believe Vivint's month-to-month option to be their most valuable offering, since most customer complaints in the home security industry pertain to a lack of options or extra fees when trying to cancel a service.

The fact alone that Vivint offers month-to-month contracts makes it one of the best home security companies in the industry.

Vivint Monthly Payments vs. ADT Monthly Payments

After you pay the upfront fees, there are also going to be monthly monitoring fees if you opt for professional monitoring.

This is where Vivint Smart Home beats out ADT security systems.

ADT charges anywhere from $36.99-$57.99/month while Vivint charges $29.99-$49.99/month for monitoring.

Generally, home security companies will charge higher monthly fees for better customer service, but it's important to be able to discern whether a company is over-priced or worth the cost.

It's not necessarily cheap, but you can't put a price on your home and family's safety, so get ready to fork it over.

Vivint Contract Length vs. ADT Contract Length

Then there is the contract.

You know, that thing that locks you into payment and forces you to hand over your first-born child if you decide to cancel?

ADT's contract lasts for 36 months, while Vivint's contract length is 42 months, but only if you opt for the 'no upfront fee' option.

In reality, Vivint offers customers a month-to-month contract option if they're willing to pay for all of their security equipment upfront.

With most home security companies, you are usually stuck with a company for at least 3 years.

That's why Vivint's month-to-month contract offer is so enticing — it's practically unheard of in the home security industry.

Vivint Cancellation vs. ADT Cancellation

Now what happens when you try to cancel your contract?

Be prepared to pay an arm and leg.

Vivint requires that their customers pay the balance of the contract.

ADT has their customers pay 75% of the remaining balance.

Cancel the contract and these companies will be raking it in.

Vivint Time in Business vs. ADT Time in Business

Vivint is a new-ish player in home security.

They have been around for almost 15 years. On the other hand, ADT has been in business, well...forever (135+ years).

Monitoring/Response Speeds

In the event that your alarm goes off, it is critical that help arrives promptly.

When an alarm/sensor is triggered, you can rest assured that both Vivint and ADT respond quickly.

SDM Rank

SDM Magazine is THE home security magazine.

Each year, SDM Magazine releases a list of the top 100 companies in the home security industry.

Let's put it this way, if you are in any way involved in the home security business, you want to be on the list (preferably at the top of that list).

ADT is ranked #1 on SDM's list and Vivint is ranked #5.

Considering how many providers there are out there, both rankings are REALLY good.

There you have it, both ADT and Vivint spelled out. The decision is up to you.